Treasure
θησαυρός (thēsauros)
A stored-up wealth — what the heart values most and pursues above all else.
Thēsauros is the Greek word for treasure, meaning a stored-up deposit of wealth. Jesus taught that where your treasure is, your heart will be — making treasure a diagnostic of spiritual priorities and ultimate allegiance.
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." — Matthew 6:21 (KJV)
Key Verses
Matthew 13:44
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.”Read in context
2 Corinthians 4:7
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's G2344 — Treasure (θησαυρός (thēsauros))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where θησαυρός (thēsauros) appears.
Open Strong's G2344Etymology and Original Meaning
Thēsauros means 'a store laid up,' 'a deposit,' or 'a treasury.' Our word 'thesaurus' comes from it — a storehouse of words. In the ancient world, treasure was often buried in fields for safekeeping, making Jesus' parable of hidden treasure immediately relatable. The word carries the idea of accumulated wealth — what someone has invested their life in gathering.
Earthly vs. Heavenly Treasure
Jesus drew a stark contrast: 'Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt... But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven' (Matthew 6:19-20). Earthly treasure is inherently insecure — subject to decay, theft, and loss. Heavenly treasure is permanent, incorruptible, and the only investment with eternal returns.
The Kingdom as Treasure
In Matthew 13:44, the kingdom of heaven is a treasure so valuable that finding it justifies selling everything else to obtain it. This is not a burden but a joy — the finder 'for joy thereof' sells all. The kingdom is not a sacrifice reluctantly made but a treasure eagerly seized. When someone truly sees its value, nothing else compares.
Treasure in Earthen Vessels
Paul describes the gospel as treasure contained in 'earthen vessels' — fragile clay pots (2 Corinthians 4:7). God deliberately places His greatest treasure in ordinary, breakable containers to demonstrate that the power belongs to Him, not to human vessels. The weakness of the messenger highlights the greatness of the message and the sufficiency of divine grace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does treasure mean in the Bible?
Treasure (thēsauros) is stored-up wealth — what the heart values most. Jesus taught that treasure reveals priorities: 'Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also' (Matthew 6:21).
What is treasure in heaven?
Treasure in heaven is the eternal reward stored up through faith, obedience, generosity, and Christlike living. Unlike earthly wealth, it cannot decay, be stolen, or be lost (Matthew 6:20).
Which Bible verse uses the word "Treasure"?
Matthew 6:21 — "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (KJV). It also appears in Matthew 13:44, 2 Corinthians 4:7.
Why does the Greek word behind "Treasure" matter?
Thēsauros means 'a store laid up,' 'a deposit,' or 'a treasury.' Our word 'thesaurus' comes from it — a storehouse of words. English uses one word, "Treasure", where the Greek θησαυρός (thēsauros) carries the fuller sense: a stored-up wealth — what the heart values most and pursues above all else.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Treasure (θησαυρός (thēsauros))
A stored-up wealth — what the heart values most and pursues above all else.
Strong's G2344 — Treasure
θησαυρός (thēsauros) • A stored-up wealth — what the heart values most and pursues above all else.
The Parable of the Hidden Treasure
Matthew 13:44 • Kingdom of God
Parable of the Hidden Treasure Quiz
A man finds treasure in a field and sells all he has to buy it.
What Is the Parable of the Hidden Treasure?
Theology & Doctrine
What Is the Parable of the Hidden Treasure?
Life of Jesus
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